Question

Which of the following involves metabolic cooperation among prokaryotic cells?

(A) binary fission

(B) endospore formation

(C) biofilms

(D) photoautotrophy

Short answer

(A) The option “binary fission” is false.

(B) The option “endospore formation” is false.

(C) The option “endospore formation” is true.

(D) The option “biofilms” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Prokaryotic Cells

Prokaryotes are unicellular organisms with a plasma membrane that prevents the external and internal contents from mixing up.These cells do not have cell organelles that are bound with external membranes. They are categorized as bacteria and Archaea.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in which a single cell divides to produce multiple cells. In this process, a parent cell divides the chromosome equally and passes them on to the daughter cells that will arise in the successive generation.

This process does not involve metabolic cooperation as the daughter cells do not depend on each other for carrying out activities.

Thus, binary fission does not involve metabolic cooperation.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Endospores are dormant structures that are produced by bacteria during unfavorable conditions. This process does not involve metabolic cooperation because endospore formation occurs due to internal factors and components secreted by the bacteria. It does not depend on other bacteria for this process.

Thus, endospore formation does not involve metabolic cooperation.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

Biofilms are structures that prokaryotic cells form. These biofilms exhibit metabolic cooperation that is essential for the survival of the film. They secrete chemicals that signal the prokaryotes living in the film to stimulate growth to increase the biofilm size and also to secrete essential proteins for their survival.

Thus, biofilms exhibit metabolic cooperation.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

Photoautotrophy in microbiology is the ability of prokaryotic organisms to produce food for themselves. They do so with the help of carbon dioxide and sunlight. This process occurs independently and does not require any metabolic cooperation from the other cells.

Thus, photoautotrophy does not exhibit metabolic cooperation.

Therefore, the given statement is false.